Abstract

Although cognitive behaviour therapy is recommended by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence as one of the treatments of choice for people suffering with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) there is relatively little evidence of the effectiveness of this treatment in group format. Group interventions are often preferred as resources
are scarce within the National Health Service and are considered to be more cost effective. There is no cure for CFS and the treatment options that are currently
available are reviewed, with particular emphasis on the limited group cognitive behaviour therapy (GCBT) studies. The methodological limitations and generalisability of the findings are questioned followed by implications for clinical pýactice. Finally the direction of future research is discussed and the need for further f group CBT in routine clinical settings.
The research paper investigates the effectiveness of a GCBT for people with CFS. In this pragmatic,n on-randomisedc, ontrolled design2 8 people acted as their own
waiting list control by completing a range of measures 8 weeks prior to taking part in GCBT. The intervention consisted of 8 consecutive weeks of 2.5-hour sessions.
Significant improvements were found compared to the waiting list in physical and mental fatigue and depressive symptoms. Improvements in quality of life, hope and
optimism were also found but no improvements were reported for anxiety levels, pain or physical functioning. Global outcomem easurersr evealedt hat the majority of the
patients found the treatment beneficial and were satisfied with the results. It is concluded that GCBT is a beneficial treatment that patients find amenable in routine
clinical practice for CFS. However further research is indicated to improve subgroup identification and refine intervention programmes.
Contributions to theory and researcha re presentedin the final section research,along with the strengths and limitations of the research and future researchs uggestionsT. he contribution to clinical practice is also discussed.Finally the research experience is
explored to include personal motivations and the research experience.